Everton line up Sevilla star to replace 12-goal loanee

Everton boss Roberto Martinez is set for a busy summer as a number of loan stars return to their parent clubs.

One of those players is key striker Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian international has been excellent for the Toffees this season, netting 12 Premier League goals and adding a further six assists in 24 appearances.

Jose Mourinho’s striking problems makes his decision to disregard Lukaku all the more bizarre, but as a result of the 20-year-old’s fine form on Merseyside, he is arguably no longer within Everton’s price range.

Romelu Lukaku’s return to West London this summer will leave Roberto Martinez with a big void to fill this season. Yet, according to The Mirror, the Everton boss has already sounded out Sevilla star Carlos Bacca as his replacement.

The 27-year-old Colombian international is enjoying a fine debut season in La Liga, and he has become one of Sevilla boss Unai Emery’s most valuable players.

The €7m signing from Belgian club Club Brugge proved a fine piece of business for the former Europa League winners. In 23 La Liga starts, Carlos Bacca has netted 14 goals – including a stunning brace against Real Madrid last week.

His form this season has been good enough to dislodge the more coveted Jackson Martinez from the Colombian starting XI, and if The Mirror’s reported £9m release clause is to be true, he comes at a bargain price.

The possible signing of Carlos Bacca would admittedly come as a surprise, as the striker recently said in an interview with Spanish press AS that he dreams of playing for a big club such as Barcelona. However, if Everton manage to secure a top four spot, the lure of Champions League football may be enough to prize away one of Sevilla’s top stars.

Tom Thorogood

I'm a 27 year old language teacher and writer based out in Mexico with a passion for football and swimming. I like to focus on the top European Leagues, especially La Liga, as well as the footballing development in Central and South America. My favourite teams include Derby County, Barcelona and Jagaures de Chiapas.